Copyright Leigh Ward-Smith, from 2014.
You’ve heard of Grammar Ghoul Press and their flash fiction depot, yes? If you haven’t, then get thee to the punnery straightaway.
They hold a number of weekly writing-prompt challenges: a mutant 750-word one, a 66-worded chimera, and, next week (around May 13th), a 13-word microfiction challenge in lieu of the chimera. The lucky 13’er also could become a regular part of the ghouls’ rotation of writing.
These flash fiction challenges, among other worthy ones I’m sure many of you participate in, offer sterling opportunities to sharpen the writing quill and editorial guillotine. I hope you’ll consider taking part—but on deadline, unlike me.
In that vein, here’s my 12th-hour stab at the weekly chimera (whose voting is open now; so go do that pronto), whose word-theme du jour is enigma. I’m also providing a slightly longer freebie (lucky you, right?!) that I wanted to get on (electronic) paper before it got lost to time. Enjoy, critique, share, or give it a try yourself and let us know you did in the comments. And, again, be sure to vote for your favorites among the chimera offerings.
(Missed) Translations
She fed the metal engraving into the machine and waited. It indicated either a humanoid using acid to etch what passed for their words—strangled sounds, pitiful scratchings—or the presence of insect time-trails. The translation into Brenn’th-uk only pecked at the hinted depths of the enigma: Cover yourselves in caves of light; the night thing is near. Baffled, she took the message to her people.
(66 words)
The Enigma of the Sea
Sidney was on the shore, not in striking distance, when they enveloped the children. Two cerulean curtains moving with the motion of the underskirt of a parade float. Manta rays, we thought at first. We saw her dive into the water after watching—it seemed like minutes—then screaming “they can’t hold their breath forever!” She came up sputtering, with only a shawl of seawater and kelp, but reported a large, lightless shape just meters from the sand, defying space. “I can’t explain the terror . . . axe in a frozen sea.” She rambled—to be expected—but the Enigma soon communicated an ultimatum: Come to us if you hope to ever win your children back.
(117 words)
Leigh's Wordsmithery 
Back at the forge eh?
Hammers and anvils sparking, spluttering their idiosyncrasies of undefined shards of hammered metal. Your stories and words are indeed a tribute to your word-smithery prowess. Enigma for sure. What beast doth lurk metres from the shore?
I am indeed, HG. Not nearly so blog-dedicated as you, just percolating with new blood on a regular basis! 🙂 I have been working on some other non-blog writing this month (and last), though. Perhaps I will share them if they come to fruition–or, if nothing else, a reflective moment of looking at writing rejections I’ve received lately! 😉
Rejection, rejection is another way of saying no. They are ney sayers! Bloody ney sayers!
Ney ney fucking ney!
Fuck them. Who needs them?
Not I, not you?
My sentiments entirely, Henry Game!
More, more. I want more! The Enigma of the Sea has drawn me in. Don’t stop now.
Your prowess with a microfiction format is unrivaled.
Very good!
Scary, haunting, intriguing, you have a wonderful way with words Leigh!
Nicely done. I like them both.
Flash fiction is something that fascinates me to no end. It’s an underappreciated art form that should get more popular exposure.
In both stories, those words in italics cruel hooks 😉 Leigh, you just cannot leave them hanging there, unanswered and unexpanded upon. I want more … (please) …
I look forward to see what you will do with 13 fictitious, unlucky words…
The Enigma of the sea, wonderful! Great reading. Thanks for sharing.
Leigh your writing is truly riveting. I think my hands are sweating. I am astounding at your skill and let unable to find the write words to adequately commend it. Well done!
Great job, Leigh! Love the fact you can use a prompt to jump start your writing. Again, awesome job!
creepy as creepy is. hopefully, the message isn’t lost in translation.
very cool piece. And I had not heard of that flash fiction site. will check it out
These both have an eerie feel to them…. and there are hints of more story 🙂
Yeah, I could definitely see me going on with either of them, when/if I had the time. Thanks, Janna! 🙂
Most intriguing, thanks, I do like a good enigma on a Saturday night!